At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Dry Goods department, managing stock, pricing, and supplier relationships.
- Company: Join PAK'nSAVE Rolleston, a new supermarket dedicated to great value and service.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with opportunities for growth in a modern environment.
- Why this job: Be part of shaping a brand-new store in a fast-growing community.
- Qualifications: Experience as a grocery buyer in a supermarket or FMCG setting is essential.
- Other info: Staggered start dates for training ahead of the October opening.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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Head Dry Goods Buyer – PAK\’nSAVE Rolleston
Business Unit: Foodstuffs South Island Limited
Job Type: Full time
Job End Date:
Opening October 2025
We’re getting ready to open the doors to our brand-new PAK’nSAVE in Rolleston – and we’re looking for an experienced, driven Head Dry Goods Buyer to take charge of our Dry Goods departments and lead a small team of buyers.
This is a rare opportunity to be part of something special from day one – helping shape a store that’s proudly committed to becoming the best low-cost supermarket in New Zealand, serving one of the country’s fastest-growing communities with great value and great service.
How to apply:
Click Apply, attach your CV, and tell us a bit about yourself – including your availability. We’ll begin shortlisting shortly and will hold recruitment sessions in July. Keep an eye on your junk/spam folder in case our emails land there.
Keen to join the team but don’t think this is the right role for you? Click here and apply to register your interest, and we\’ll notify you via email when applications for various roles open.
About the role:
As Head Dry Goods Buyer, you’ll be responsible for managing the day-to-day buying operations of the grocery, dairy/frozen, liquor and GM departments. You’ll work alongside two other buyers to ensure our shelves are fully stocked with the right range, at the right price, at the right time.
This is a hands-on role where you’ll need to balance big-picture planning with daily operational decisions, maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and internal teams to ensure a smooth, customer-first operation.
Start dates will be staggered in the lead-up to our October opening, with some team members starting up to a week earlier for training and setup. This is a full-time role of 45 hours per week, days and hours will be discussed with the successful applicant.
Key responsibilities
- Oversee dry goods stock management, ordering, pricing, and ranging
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and stakeholders
- Monitor and respond to sales data, customer demand and market trends
- Lead and support the two other grocery buyers in meeting department targets
- Work closely with store leadership to deliver excellent customer outcomes
- Ensure compliance with all food safety and operational standards
What we’re looking for
We’re after someone who knows the grocery category inside and out, with a sharp eye for detail and a strong understanding of how to make good business decisions. Ideally, you’ll:
- Have proven experience as a grocery buyer within a supermarket or FMCG setting
- Be confident managing stock, pricing, and supplier negotiations
- Know how to get the best results for the department while keeping costs down
- Be organised, efficient, and calm under pressure
- Bring a positive, proactive mindset and lead by example every day
- Help build and shape a brand-new store from the ground up
- Join a leadership team focused on doing things right – for customers, teams and the community
- Be part of a store that’s committed to becoming New Zealand’s best low-cost supermarket
- Work in a modern, purpose-built environment with opportunities to grow and lead
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Head Dry Goods Buyer - PAK\'nSAVE Rolleston employer: Foodstuffs South Island Limited
Contact Detail:
Foodstuffs South Island Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Dry Goods Buyer - PAK\'nSAVE Rolleston
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the grocery market trends in New Zealand, especially focusing on dry goods. Understanding what products are popular and how pricing strategies work will give you an edge in discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the FMCG sector, particularly those who have experience in buying roles. Engaging with industry contacts can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in managing supplier relationships and stock management. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully negotiated prices or improved stock efficiency.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by thinking about how you would support and develop your team of buyers. Consider examples of how you've led teams in the past and be prepared to discuss your approach to fostering a positive work environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Dry Goods Buyer - PAK\'nSAVE Rolleston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in grocery buying, stock management, and supplier negotiations. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage a team and achieve department targets.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the grocery industry and your understanding of the role. Mention how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Head Dry Goods Buyer position and express your enthusiasm for helping shape a new store.
Highlight Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a small team, emphasise your leadership experience. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past and how you plan to support your colleagues in achieving their goals.
Showcase Market Knowledge: Demonstrate your knowledge of market trends and customer demand in the grocery sector. Include any relevant data or insights that show your ability to make informed business decisions that benefit the department and the store.
How to prepare for a job interview at Foodstuffs South Island Limited
✨Know Your Grocery Category
Make sure you have a deep understanding of the grocery category, including trends and customer preferences. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences as a buyer and how they relate to the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As you'll be leading a small team of buyers, showcase your leadership abilities. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past and how you plan to support your colleagues in achieving department targets.
✨Prepare for Supplier Negotiations
Be ready to talk about your experience with supplier negotiations. Highlight any successful deals you've made and how you ensure that stock is managed efficiently while keeping costs down.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
This role requires balancing big-picture planning with daily operations. Prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you resolved them, particularly in relation to stock management and customer satisfaction.